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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
101 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.3 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Fontanet to Les Ruinettes

Fontanet to Les Ruinettes
Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Fontanet to Les Ruinettes trail takes you through beautiful paths above Verbier village, which is famous for skiing and its bike park. The trail is accessed by lifts and meanders down to Les Ruinettes. The view is spectacular and the walk is easy enough to just enjoy the scenery.

Route Description for Fontanet to Les Ruinettes

Contact Verbier Bike Park or visit their webpage to be sure the lifts are operating on the day you will hike, as the lift-accessed walking trails are usually open only during the summer season.

This hike starts with a gondola lift to Les Ruinettes station (2,200 m) followed by a chairlift to Fontanet station (2,482 m). The hike will end back at Les Ruinettes station, which you must reach before the last descending gondola trip (around 5pm, check before ascending).

The trail surface is mostly crushed rock and dirt, but a few sections are very rocky so wear solid boots. The trail starts with a wonderful view of surrounding summits as soon as you get off the lift station. You’ll head northeast, then turns southeast after 700 m.

Some of the trail junctions are a bit confusing, so check your GPS every time you pass a fork. At 2.0 km from the start, you will encounter the Cabane de Montfort (2,457 m) on top of a ridge. The Cabane de Montfort has a restaurant and lodging facilities if you fancy a snack or a stay.

From Cabane de Montfort, the trail continues about 1.0 km to La Chaux lift station which is adjacent to Le Dahu restaurant. From La Chaux, the trail continues 2.0 km to Les Ruinettes.

In between La Chaux and Les Ruinettes, you will find sculptures by the side of the trail. Along the trail you will see the summits of Mt Gele (3,023 m), Mont Fort (3,329 m), Bec des Rosses (3,222 m), and Pierre Avoi (2,473 m). Take plenty of photos!

If you visit in summer, Verbier offers other hiking destinations such as Pierre Avoi, or downhill and enduro biking trails for which they actually have the largest network in Switzerland. There are also kick scooters (trotinettes) that can be rented at the lift station for downhill riding.

Insider Hints for Fontanet to Les Ruinettes

  • If you’re keen to ride, bring a bike for the Verbier Bike Park.
  • Make sure you plan to finish your hike in plenty of time to descend via the lift.

Getting to the Fontanet to Les Ruinettes Trailhead

Verbier village is in the canton of Valais, and it can be reached by car from Lausanne, a 60.3mi drive. Several parking facilities are available in the village, including Route de Verbier Station 63 parking. Take a walk to the Verbier Bike Park lift station and get a lift ticket to Fontanet with a descending ticket from Les Ruinettes.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    July to October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    One Way

Fontanet to Les Ruinettes Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

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